German, Bayreuth
Wilhelmine of Prussia, Margravine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, 18th century
Gouache on ivory, 4.3 x 6 cm (1 11/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
This small portrait, painted in gouache on ivory, depicts Wilhemine of Prussia in a seated position wearing a fancy blue dress, a blue ribbon tied around her neck and her gray hair in tight curls. The fair skinned woman has red lips, rosy cheeks and dark brown eyes. She peers at the viewer with a pleasant demeanor on her face. Her blue dress is decorated with white stars and has a low lace-trimmed neckline with delicate lace trim at her elbows. Her arms are folded in front of her and rest on a cloth-covered table. There is a bird with outstretched wings perched on her right forefinger. She has a dark ribbon about her left wrist. Jewelry, a box and two small glass jars are visible on the table. The carved back of a chair is visible behind her to our right. The background fades from dark to our left to very pale pink to our right. There are areas of damage to the left and right of this figure. The painting is framed in an elaborate gold frame with swirling botanical designs.
Vatichino
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.